TIGHTLACED NEW TALENT REHEARSED READINGS
www.tightlacedtheatre.org
What’s the format? How does it work? Who’s eligible to apply? What kind of material will be considered?
How much of my time will this take up? So what’s in it for me? What happens to my play afterwards?
What’s the format?
A company of actors will come together to give a public reading of a new playwright’s work. The audience will have the option of staying for a feedback session after the reading itself. Readings will take place in the last week of each month, on a weeknight. The first is scheduled for 1st of April 2009.
How does it work?
Playwrights should submit a copy of the play they would like to have considered to Tightlaced Productions’ Artistic Director Jennifer McGregor (jen@tightlacedtheatre.org) in electronic format (Word documents preferred). Works in progress are particularly welcome, as this scheme is designed to provide feedback and responses which will help playwrights to develop their work.
Actors should submit a CV and headshot in electronic format to the Artistic Director (jen@tightlacedtheatre.org). Castings will be held as necessary, according to the requirements of the scripts chosen. Once an actor is known to the company, it is not necessary to resubmit to be considered for future castings.
Who’s eligible to apply?
Any playwright may submit a script, provided it has not been professionally produced.
Any actor may submit a CV and headshot. Applications from untrained or inexperienced actors will be considered, but we request that such actors detail in their covering letters what they would like to get from working with Tightlaced. We may not always be able to cast less experienced actors, but we aim to assist anyone interested in furthering their development and will certainly try to suggest an appropriate next step.
If not selected for immediate use, all scripts and CVs will be held on file for future consideration. If you would prefer that we did not retain your script or CV, please state this in your covering letter and we will delete them if your application is unsuccessful.
What kind of material will be considered?
Anything at all. We are happy to receive scripts of all lengths and genres, with any size of cast. Subject matter is entirely up to you. We are also happy to receive more than one script by the same writer.
How much of my time will this take up?
That depends on the complexity of the script. Playwrights should expect to meet with the director at least once prior to rehearsal, which they may attend or not as they please. There will be a minimum of one and maximum of three rehearsals, with rehearsal times varying according to the availability of those involved. The reading itself will be a one-off event, which will vary in length according to the script selected. Playwrights must attend readings to receive feedback.
How much does it pay?
Nothing, alas. Tightlaced receives no funding at present, so is not in a position to offer payment for anyone involved. There will be no charge for audience members to attend the TNT Rehearsed Readings. They will be welcome to make donations to help cover the cost of hiring a venue, but there’s no money involved anywhere else in the process.
So what’s in it for me?
For playwrights, exposure for your work. You’ll get feedback from director, cast and audience alike. Hearing your play read will offer a fresh perspective on it and hopefully help you as you develop it further.
For everyone involved, the Rehearsed Readings provide the chance to show people what you can do. In addition to opening the readings to the general public, TNT will send invitations to theatre companies and agents. This not only puts you in front of them, it puts them in front of you and gives you the opportunity to network and build relationships with other people within the industry. Also, it’s another entry on your CV.
What happens to my play afterwards?
You take it away and do with it as you will. TNT doesn’t buy your script from you, so you can go off and develop it and send it out into the world in search of professional production. Or not. It’s entirely up to you. Of course, if we really like your play we might ask how you would feel about developing it as a fully-staged Tightlaced production.
I have a question that hasn’t been covered here - what should I do?
Email jen@tightlacedtheatre.org and ask it!
Jennifer McGregor
Artistic Director
Tightlaced Theatre
www.tightlacedtheatre.org